A detailed report on high speed rail routes is expected to be delivered to the government this week, although details will not be released until the spring.

In addition to a London terminus, the Euston/King’s Cross area being a strong possibility of  the 35 sites looked at, the new line will be routed via the Chilterns. The London terminus would need approximately 10 platforms to handle the proposed 18 trains an hour and it’s also possible that connections could be developed between HS1, HS2 and the West Coast Main Line.

There remains some doubt as to the exact route of HS2 in the north of England, with the north-east of the country desperate not to be left out of the high speed rail revolution. Construction of HS2 could commence by 2017.

A full HS1 service was launched earlier this month by Gordon Brown and transport secretary Andrew Adonis. The peak hour trains into and out of London St Pancras International are very busy and passengers who were spoken to on the launch day said they were very satisfied with the new service.

Passengers arrive at London St Pancras International, having travelled on a HS1 service. Picture: www.upmain.com